This is a collaborative post
Working from home can give you plenty of freedom, a flexible schedule and a nonexistent commute. With the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s also a lot safer than visiting the office. However, you’ll need to stay motivated so you can get your work done at home. Here are some tips to help you keep working hard, even when you’re away from the office.
Wake Up Early and Stay on Schedule
According to a study by biologist Christoph Randler, people who wake up earlier are more productive and successful. Getting an early start will let you finish work, relax sooner and form a routine. Plus, you’ll be able to get in touch with your co-workers more easily if everyone starts work around the same time. Many people also feel more energetic early in the day after a nutritious breakfast.
So, don’t sleep in and risk missing deadlines or important online meetings, and instead, make a schedule to help yourself meet your targets for the week. That way, you’ll know how many hours you need to work and what you need to do to take care of tasks. Set goals that you can accomplish, and avoid procrastinating or postponing your work.
Reward Yourself with Breaks
Working until you feel exhausted could be tempting for many people, but it’s not good for your health. It could also keep you from doing your best work. Every few hours, take a break to eat something, go for a walk or watch an episode of your favorite TV show. If you’re working on a large project, motivate yourself to finish it by setting aside some of the money you’ll make for a new outfit or a fun vacation.
Get Dressed Every Morning
Staying in your pajamas might sound tempting, but it will remind you that you’re only a few steps away from your bedroom. Instead, stick to your morning routine as much as possible. Take a shower, get dressed, brush your hair and put on some makeup to get psychologically ready for work while improving your appearance.
Dressing in comfortable clothing that makes you feel good about yourself will increase your productivity, get you prepared for last-minute video conferences, and help you differentiate between relaxing and working from home. Choosing the right little black dress for work will make you feel more powerful and professional, too.
Create a Work Space
You should set aside some space in your home where you can do your work without interruptions. Most people need a desk, a comfortable chair, an ergonomic keyboard, a mouse and a Wi-Fi connection. You may also need a webcam and a microphone.
You can deduct many of the costs of your home office when you do your taxes, and working and relaxing in separate spaces will make both things easier. If you use your work laptop on the same couch where you watch Netflix, enjoying TV during work hours could be tempting. But when it’s time to take a break, you could feel unproductive. At-home office space will make you more efficient and keep your work separate from the rest of your life.
Adopt a Self-Productive Work From Home Policy
You can do a great job by staying on schedule, rewarding yourself, getting dressed and creating a workspace. If you keep yourself motivated, working at home can help you avoid stress and save time and money by eliminating that long commute
